The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your First Scotland Adventure

1. Scotland Adventure Planning: When’s a good time?

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You’ve decided to plan an adventure to Scotland, but when? (Scotland is so amazing, we hesitate to call a visit a “trip” or “vacation.” It is truly an adventure!) We went from the end of August to the first few weeks in September and had uncommonly glorious sunny weather. If there’s anything Scotland is noted for, it’s rain! Here are the best and worst times to visit Scotland:

Best Time of Year for Weather: May to September.

• Pro: You’ll have the warmest weather, more sunshine and longer daylight hours. May is a good month to visit Scotland. It has warmer weather, smaller crowds and lower prices for lodging etc.
• Con: The “midges” (small flying, biting insects) are common. The high “midge” season is July/August. I’ve been told that Avon Skin So Soft is an effective deterrent, and they now have a Skin So Soft Bug Repellant!
• July and August are the busiest times of the year for visitors, so book lodging, activities, and tours well in advance.

Best Time of the Year for Fewer Crowds: Shoulder Seasons.

• Pro: The shoulder seasons of Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) bring fewer crowds.
• Prices are usually better during the shoulder season with less competition for lodging/activities/tours.
• September to November is also a great time to see fall foliage.
• Con: Autumn and Winter have the most rain, with September being the wettest month.
• Temperatures start to drop in October, which is a consideration if heading to the Highlands.

General Considerations for Planning Your Scotland Adventure.

• Most Festivals, cultural events, and unique Scottish celebrations are held during the Summer months. Go early to events if these are on your itinerary.
• Some attractions are only open from April to mid-October. Be sure to check before you go!
• Days are short in the Winter, with sunrise @ 8:30 and dark by 3 PM or 4 PM.
• Check out average temperatures/rainfall for various times of the year here.

2. What to Pack for your Scotland Adventure

Before we get into what to pack, a word on “how” to pack:

• Pack only what is necessary. We travel with a carry-on and backpack.
  • Our “go-to” carry-ons are Samsonite.
  • They don’t carry our style anymore. Here are some newer Samsonites to choose from.
  • We love backpacks with lots of storage options. Here’s one to consider.
  • Not your style? Try these on for size.
  • Ladies, leave room in your backpack for purse storage while boarding the airplane. Most airlines only allow one carry-on and one backpack! Period!
• Pack as lightly as possible. Scotland has many amazing historical buildings that serve as lodging, you’ll undoubtedly want to stay in one or two. However, many have no lifts! Pack less and you have less to lug up the stairs.
• Pack “casual.” It will get you everywhere but the most expensive restaurants.

Clothing Essentials for your Scotland Adventure.

• A Raincoat is a MUST. I also had waterproof rain pants, but they are not essential. An umbrella isn’t necessary as most hotels/inns provide them.
• Temperatures can vary throughout the day. Pack a warm jacket, preferably a high-tech heat-reflective one that compresses down like this one for ladies or this one for men.
• Think layers of clothing. Here are suggestions of what to pack:
  • A merino wool sleeveless top which can be worn alone on a hot day or as a base on a cool day. Here are some suggestions for ladies. Men may prefer a T-shirt like this one.
  • Moisture-wicking shirts/T-shirts. Most of my T-shirts are polyester with moisture-wicking technology. They regulate body temperature and slip easily over any base layers. If you know us at all, you know we love Columbia clothing. Here are some suggestions for ladies and these are for men.
  • For a dressier look, these ladies’ shirts do double and triple duty. Same for men. Ladies, bring a pretty scarf to dress them up.
  • I fly in jeans but breathable, quick-drying shorts or pants are perfect for most other excursions. Convertible pants, like these, help save space too!
  • For cooler weather, include a base layer like the Columbia Omni-heat tops/bottoms.

What Shoes and Other Stuff do I Need for my Scotland Adventure?

• Footwear: Waterproof! Comfortable, waterproof shoes or hiking boots are a must for exploring Scotland. I love my Danner Trail 2650. Sturdy enough for hiking rugged terrain yet city casual! Fly in these and save space in your carry-on for some packable slippers.
• Summer: Hat for sun protection and sunglasses.
  • Sunday Afternoon hats are the best for both men and women. Great sun protection.
  • Our fav sunglasses are Knockarounds! Affordable, sturdy and stylish. Plus polarized.
• Fall/Winter/Early Spring: Knit caps, gloves and a warm scarf.

What Else Should I Plan for my Scotland Trip?

• Other Essentials: Passport, Electronic adapters, Cell phone/computer/watch charger.
• Reusable water bottle. This is the water bottle I carry. Comes in a variety of sizes and tops.
• Downloaded Scotland travel apps like Scotland’s Best Travel Guide in Google Play or the Apple Store.
• Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Make sure to notify your bank with your travel dates.
• You may want to consider:
  • E-sim for the UK for connectivity when wi-fi isn’t available.
  • Solar portable phone charger

3. Planning Travel to and in Scotland.

Booking Flights: Tips for finding good deals and recommended airports.

 Scotland has three main international airports: Glasgow (GLA), Edinburgh (EDI) and Aberdeen ABS). Glasgow handles most of the nonstop scheduled flights from North America; while Europe is serviced by all three.

• Use Skyscanner, Hopper or Google Flights to search/track flights.
  • If your plans are flexible, check pricing on various days and / or alternate airports.      
  • Sign up for alerts with your preferred airline for flash sales and discounts.
  • Check CheapOair when planning your Scotland trip.

• Alternative Travel: Check options for traveling by train or ferry if arriving from nearby countries.
  • Explore Rome2Rio for how to get anywhere by plane, train, bus, ferry and car.

Car Rental for Your Scotland Adventure.

Renting a car in Scotland can be an exciting and flexible way to explore. Here’s what you need to know!

• Driving is on the LEFT side of the road in Scotland!
• Compared to the roads at home, (USA) many roads are very narrow, therefore, we recommend getting a small car.
• Book in advance!
• Auto Insurance is highly recommended. Consider insurance through the rental agency.
  • Check your credit card to see if insurance is offered.
  • Most US auto insurers will not cover you when driving abroad.
• Register all additional drivers in advance.
• Use Google Maps or Waze for directions.
  • Driving on the left can be confusing. Knowing where you are going helps.
    • Download the routes for when you don’t have service.

To book a car rental, we use Booking.com, Trivago and RentalCars.com.

• You need a credit card, driver’s license valid for a year, and a passport.
• You must be at least 21. Maximum age can vary.
  • Seniors over 70 may face restrictions or higher rates depending on the agency.
• Take pictures before departing to document any damage.
• We “shared” the driving experience. Whenever entering a round-about or intersection, Jack checked the traffic to the right and I checked to the left.

4. Other Scotland Transportation Options

Motorhome Rentals.

Pros:

• ✅ Motorhome rentals can be a fun and exciting way to see Scotland.
• ✅ Scotland has some truly jaw-dropping camping areas.
• ✅ Unique way to immerse yourself in Scotland’s natural beauty.
• ✅ You have a portable hotel room wherever you go.
• ✅ It can be cost-effective for a larger group.

Cons:

• ❌ Narrow & Windy Roads: Boy, do we know about these!
  • We started in a motorhome but downgraded to a small car after several days of narrow road, nerve-wracking driving. Know your limits!
• ❌ Limited Parking.
  • We sometimes found parking to be an issue even with a small car.
• ❌ Campsite availability.
  • Do your homework. You don’t want to be stuck with nowhere to camp!
  • We didn’t plan ahead and ended up driving to three campgrounds one night before we found availability.

Tour Options for Planning Your Scotland Adventure.

• Sometimes the best option is to let someone else do the driving!
• When we travel, these are our favorite tour vendors. We’ve used both quite happily:
  • Viator: Has every kind of tour imaginable, including cruises.
    • You can search by type of cruise, duration, time of day etc.
  • Get Your Guide: We love Get Your Guide! So many fun activities.
  • Check both to see which works best for you.

5. Choosing Your Scotland Adventure Accommodations.

Types of Stays for your Scotland visit:

• Scotland has all the “usual” stays, plus castles and historic buildings!
• Hotels: From five-star luxury to budget-friendly, you’ll find them all in Scotland.
• B&Bs and Guesthouses: Bed and breakfasts offer personal touches and often a chance to meet local hosts.
• Self-Catering Cottages: (Think Airbnb or VRBO) Ideal for those who prefer more independence with the flexibility to cook their meals.
• Castles and Manors: For a truly unique experience, Scotland’s castles and historic buildings are the way to go!
• Glamping and Campsites: If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Scotland’s natural beauty, consider staying in a luxury tent or camping under the stars, with many options nestled in scenic locations.
• Inns and Pubs: Another great experience is local inns and pubs, which often offer hearty meals and cozy rooms.
• Luxury Lodges and Resorts: Looking for indulgence? Scotland’s resorts and luxury lodges offer spa treatments, gourmet dining, and stunning landscapes.
• Hostels: If you like hostels, budget-conscious travelers will find a variety of hostels throughout Scotland that provide affordable, communal spaces for meeting other travelers.

Whatever your budget or preference, Scotland has something to offer every visitor. You just have to choose!

Booking Tips: When to book, budget considerations, and staying in rural vs. urban areas.

• Cost range: Staying in a historic castle or manor can range from £150 to £1,000+ per night, depending on exclusivity and services.
• Self-catering vs. full service: Renting a private castle or historic home for self-catering can be more affordable than a fully staffed stay.
• Shared vs. private experience: Some castles offer individual room rentals for a lower price, while others require booking the entire property.
• Hidden fees: Be mindful of extra costs like heating surcharges, maintenance fees, or mandatory dining packages.
• Seasonality: Prices are highest in peak summer months (June–August) and lower in winter, except around festive periods.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

• Peak season (June–August & Christmas/New Year’s Eve): 6–12 months in advance for castles, boutique hotels, and unique stays.
• Off-peak (November–March, excluding holidays): 1–3 months in advance, with last-minute deals available.
• Festivals & Special Events: During Edinburgh Fringe (August) or Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve),

Rural vs. City Stays: Pros & Cons.

• City Stays (Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, etc.)
  • ✅ Convenience: Easy access to transport, restaurants, and attractions.
  • ✅ Public transport: No need for a car; well-connected by buses and trains.
  • ✅ Vibrant atmosphere: Bustling nightlife, museums, and cultural experiences.
  • ❌ Higher costs: City hotels can be more expensive, especially during festivals.
  • ❌ Limited parking: Many city accommodations charge extra for parking.

• Rural & Countryside Stays (Highlands, Isle of Skye, Loch Lomond, etc.)
  • ✅ Scenic beauty: Stunning landscapes, perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.
  • ✅ Unique accommodations: Stay in cozy cottages, remote lodges, or private castles.
  • ✅ Peace & quiet: Great for relaxation and escaping crowds.
  • ❌ Car required: Public transport is limited.
  • ❌ Fewer dining options: Restaurants may be scarce.

Popular Booking Platforms for your Scotland Adventure.

• Hotels & Inns: Booking.com, Expedia
• Self-Catering & Cottages: Airbnb, Vrbo, Cottages.com
• Castles & Historic Homes: National Trust for Scotland, Historic UK, Scotts Castle Holidays
• Luxury & Boutique Stays: Relais & Châteaux, Luxury Scotland

6. Best Places to Visit in Scotland: A Guide for Every Traveler

Scotland is a country rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re a fan of Outlander, a whisky connoisseur, a golf enthusiast, or an outdoor adventurer, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to visit, plus tips on whether to book tours or explore on your own.

Places to Visit in Scotland For History and Castle Lovers.

• Edinburgh – Explore Edinburgh Castle, the historic Royal Mile, and Holyrood Palace.
• Stirling – Visit Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument, key sites in Scottish history.
• Eilean Donan Castle – One of the most photographed castles, set on a loch.
• Craigievar Castle – Iconic castle located on a hillside known for its pink towers.
• Glamis Castle – Queen Mother’s Childhood Home and inspiration for Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

For Outlander Fans – Best Scottish Places to Visit.

• Doune Castle – Featured as Castle Leoch, home of Clan MacKenzie.
• Culross – A beautifully preserved 17th-century village used as Cranesmuir in the series.
• Clava Cairns – Ancient standing stones rumored to have inspired the Craigh na Dun stones.
• Blackness Castle – Filming location for Fort William in the show.
• Falkland – Doubled as 1940s Inverness in Season 1.

Here’s Where to go in Scotland for Whisky Lovers.

• Speyside – Home to The Macallan, Glenfiddich, and over 50 distilleries along the Malt Whisky Trail.
• Islay – Known for peaty, smoky whiskies from Laphroaig, Lagavulin, and Ardbeg.
• Highlands – Distilleries like Dalwhinnie and Glenmorangie offer scenic tours.
• Campbeltown – Once the whisky capital of the world, home to Springbank Distillery.
• Edinburgh & Glasgow – Great for whisky tasting experiences without leaving the city.

Golf Enthusiasts Will Love These Scotland Courses!

*Full disclosure, we are not golfers so this list is a result of our research. Please let us know if we missed a good one!

• St. Andrews – The “Home of Golf” with St. Andrews Links and the British Golf Museum.
• Gleneagles – A luxury golf resort with championship courses.
• Royal Dornoch – A bucket-list course for true golf lovers.
• Turnberry & Troon – Stunning coastal courses in Ayrshire.
• Muirfield – One of the oldest golf clubs in the world.

Outdoors & Hiking Recommendations for your Scotland Adventure.

• Ben Nevis – The UK’s highest peak, perfect for experienced hikers.
• Cairngorms National Park – Great for walking, wildlife spotting, and skiing in winter.
• Isle of Skye – The Quiraing, Old Man of Storr, and Fairy Pools are must-sees.
• Glencoe – Dramatic landscapes and some of Scotland’s best hiking routes.
• West Highland Way – A long-distance trek from Milngavie to Fort William.

Scotland Locations for Beach Lovers.

• Luskentyre Beach (Isle of Harris) – White sands and turquoise waters that look Caribbean.
• St. Andrews Beach – Famous for golf and history, and where Chariots of Fire was filmed.
• Aberdeen’s Balmedie Beach – Long stretches of sand, perfect for walks.
• Sandwood Bay (Sutherland) – A remote and breathtaking beach with cliffs and dunes.
• Gullane Beach (East Lothian) – Popular with windsurfers and families.

Should you Book Tours or Plan Your Own Scotland Adventure Itinerary?

• Book a Tour If:
  • You want a stress-free experience with everything planned.
  • You’re interested in whisky tastings (No driving involved!)
  • You want expert guides for history, castles, or Outlander locations.
  • You’re traveling in winter and prefer not to drive.
• Go It Alone If:
  • You prefer flexibility to explore at your own pace.
  • You’re comfortable driving on the left and navigating rural roads.
  • You want to spend extra time at specific locations.
  • You’re traveling on a budget, as self-guided trips are usually cheaper.

Money Saving Passes & Discounts for your Scotland Trip.

• Historic Scotland Explorer Pass – Covers entry to 70+ sites like Edinburgh Castle & Stirling Castle.
• National Trust for Scotland Membership – We saved parking costs with this membership!
• Scottish Heritage Pass – Includes many historic sites, but only available to non-UK residents.
• ScotRail Spirit of Scotland Pass – Unlimited train travel across Scotland.
• City Passes (Edinburgh & Glasgow) – Discounts on multiple attractions and hop-on-hop-off buses.

7. Famous (and Infamous) Scottish Dishes.

We tried a few of these, as you must, simply to say you did! After all, what is a Scottish Adventure without an adventure with Scottish Food! Here’s a list of some we tried and some we didn’t!

• Haggis – A savory pudding made of sheep’s heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oats, suet, and spices, traditionally served with neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes).
• Black Pudding – A blood sausage made with pig’s blood, oats, and spices, often served at breakfast.
• Lorne Sausage – A square-shaped sausage made of minced meat, breadcrumbs, and spices, a breakfast staple.
• Cullen Skink – A rich, creamy soup made with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, from the town of Cullen.
• Scotch Pie – A small double-crusted meat pie usually filled with minced lamb or beef and seasoned with pepper.
• Stovies – A hearty potato-based dish made with leftover meat, onions, and fat, perfect for cold nights.
• Battered Mars Bar – A deep-fried chocolate bar, a famous (or infamous) Scottish fast-food treat.
• Rowies (Butteries) – A flaky, salty pastry from Aberdeen, often eaten at breakfast with jam.

Sweet Offerings for Your Scotland Adventure.

• Tablet – A hard, sugary confection similar to fudge but with a crumbly texture.
• Shortbread – Buttery, crumbly biscuits that melt in your mouth.
• Dundee Cake – A rich, fruit-filled cake topped with almonds.
• Macaroon Bars – A coconut-flavored bar covered in chocolate. OMG! They are delicious!

8. Money Matters and Tipping in Scotland.

In Scotland, cash and most credit cards are widely accepted, but here are a few things you should know to avoid confusion:

Two Types of Currency in Scotland.

• Scotland uses the Pound Sterling (£), just like the rest of the UK. However, there are two types of banknotes:
  • British Pounds (GBP) – Issued by the Bank of England and are widely accepted everywhere in Scotland.
  • Scottish Pounds – Issued by Scottish banks (Bank of Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Clydesdale Bank). We used both in Scotland with no issues.
• ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, but be aware of withdrawal fees.

Credit Cards and Contactless Payments.

• Visa and Mastercard are readily accepted.
• American Express was not as readily accepted! Good thing I have several credit cards.
• Which reminds me, bring more than one type of credit card if you can, just in case.
• Contactless payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc .are commonly used.

Tipping in Scotland.

• Restaurants – Tipping 10-15% is customary if service isn’t included in the bill.
• Pubs & Bars – Tipping isn’t expected when ordering drinks at the bar.
• Taxis – Rounding up to the nearest pound or adding 10% is appreciated.
• Hotels – Tip porters around £1-2 ($1.25-$2.50) per bag, and leave £2-5 $2.50-$6.50) per night for housekeeping if the service is good.
• Tour Guides – If you enjoyed a guided tour, a tip of £5-10 ($6.50-$13) per person is appreciated for day tours.

9. Travel Insurance

We never used to give Travel Insurance much thought, until the year I got Covid just as we were to depart for Mexico. We’ve had a change of attitude since then, and always obtain at least a basic travel insurance policy. In general, Scotland is a safe destination, but unexpected costs can add up quickly if things go wrong. Our favorites are Travelex Insurance and InsureMyTrip. These websites enable you to search and compare policies from various companies, ensuring you get the perfect policy for your trip. Travel insurance can save you money and stress by covering:

• Medical Emergencies – Private treatment can be expensive.
• Trip Cancellations & Delays – Weather-related disruptions (common in Scotland!) can lead to costly rebookings.
• Lost or Stolen Items – Protects your luggage, passport, and valuables.
• Car Rental Protection – Some insurers cover accidents and damage.

Always check the coverage details and exclusions before purchasing a policy. Without insurance, a single medical issue or missed flight could cost far more than the policy itself.

Just to be on the safe side, you may enjoy our blog post on Anti-Pickpocket Travel Gear and How to Create Safe Travels.

10. Our Scotland Adventure was Excellent!

Our Scotland Adventure was different than most. I went to Scotland on a 10 day retreat and Jack came to research “family history” Jack’s great-grandfather is from Insch, Scotland and his dad is the family historian. It was an opportunity for Jack to do some hands-on family history research for his Dad!

My retreat took me to some of the most beautiful places in Scotland. We spent three days at the Oak Tree Inn at Loch Lomand. This is a beautiful area set by a lake with stunning sunsets and scenery. We then traveled to For Augustus for three nights where we did a day trip to the Isle of Skye. Simply breathtaking.

Oban was our next stop. We spent a night, leaving early the next morning for Iona. What an amazing experience. We continued onward to Edinburgh where we spent two nights. Here, we had an amazing dinner at a Castle.

Jack joined me in Edinburgh. We explored Edinburgh, before departing for Insch. There, a friendly local walked with us to the Church cemetery. Tombstones held the most accurate information from the 13th & 14th centuries as written records were sparse and/or incomplete. Strange as it sounds, it was fascinating reading tombstones, trying to find long-lost relatives and chatting with locals.

We continued back towards Edinburgh and visited many small towns and castles along the way. What an adventure! We even found a pizza place that advertised as having “New York City Style Pizza!”

We hope you found this post about planning for YOUR Scotland Adventure helpful! If you did, please follow us on FB, IG and continue to follow our blog, Seniors with Latitude. Happy Travels!

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